NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!

[Mouseteacher]

Caitlin ~ This is a very special place, indeed. Even though we cannot "see" each other - we do care about one another and certainly support and rally around one another. Welcome aboard!

disnurse ~ How about today's sunshine - it actually lasted all day! We were at my dad's for a cookout and we really enjoyed sitting in the sun and feeling its warmth. Got me to thinking about the Swan and our WDW trip. DB and DSIL are bummed b/c they can't join us on this trip due to their children's (one will be off to college/his first year) busy summer schedule. We were reminiscing (sp?) today about last summer's trip to the Dolphin. We all agreed it was a "dream come true" trip for all of us.

 

[dreamflight99]

Hello, dear Friends....

I just returned from the ER w/DD. DH is currently driving to the only pharmacy in the area (WalGreens) which is open 24/7.

This Doc was "wonderful", proficient, assured and concerned. He immediately diagnosed the ears (outer infection...although w/slight fever...the eardrum could be affected as well), and noticed the "swelling". One ear (her right) is "closed", so he placed a "WICK" in the ear. This is a sponge-like thin piece of wick, which will assist the eardrop meds in getting to the affected area (otherwise..nothing goes in!). So...this is the "sponge" (Debbie7452 mentioned) thingie. DD was Extremely concerned about this thing, and where it WAS in her ear (LOL). So cute. She has to return tomorrow afternoon (probably to her own ped), and have this thing checked and/or removed if need be.

He gave her three prescrips. One for AUGMENTIN, to be taken three times per day (500 mg each). Also, another ear drop med with HYDROCORTISONE to reduce the swelling. And, last...but certainly NOT LEAST...30 VICODIN tabs for PAIN! She should sleep very well now.

No SWIMMING for two weeks. She should be MUCH better by the time we leave (or so he believes). DD is wondering HOW to wash her hair w/o getting water in her ears? She is unable to use ear-plugs due to the pain, draining and wick. Since he stated ZERO water in/around the ears...she is worried. Any suggestions?

You have all been so wonderful, and your suggestions and info have helped us greatly. I appreciate all of your time and input. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I'm sure DD will be on her way to recovery now. This physician could NOT BELIEVE the previous DOC failed to prescribe anything for PAIN/SWELLING, etc. He also said the Trimox was "fair", but the Aug was MUCH more powerful/successful. My fingers are crossed. All of your prayers (plus mouseteacher's PD & HUGS TOO!) came through, and we were "blessed" with a competent physician.

Last eve, DD slept in the big soft leather recliner, and I pulled out the sleeper in the leather sofa (W/Queen size Aerobed & quilted cover...just like a little cloud!) in our family room. She just could not sleep in her bed (maybe prone position was painful). She actually slept more than 4 hours straight, before she awakened crying. She wants to sleep there again tonight. DH offered to sleep there too...but she wants "mommy" to stay there with her alone. It's amazing how when your children are ill, no matter what age they are...they become "small/young" again.

Caitlin~ I reiterate what Mouseteacher wrote. This is a wonderful place, and we are all connected by the WONDROUS MAGIC & ZEST for DISNEY/LIFE we all share.

Also, just like mouseteacher (we share MANY things...LOL), I ADORE the California Grill! We drifted up there many years ago, and now make it a point to visit more than once every visit. Last summer we were there five times! We always stop by initially to have SUSHI and bevs...and view the fireworks. We sit in the lounge by the window for this bit of MAGIC. Then, we also love to dine in the main area, next to the window. The food is astonishingly delicious...and the atmosphere/service is the BEST!
Thank you for the kind thoughts regarding my DD. You are a sweetie...keep believing in the MAGIC.

 

[KelliR]

I leave tomorrow with my 'preemie". (Almost 6 years ago). She was 2 months premature and was in the NICU for 5 weeks. It was great to finally bring her home! She is flourishing now ... a beautiful, healthy, and very energetic little lady! I hope Kirk stays in the NICU for a very short time and comes home to his loving family, healthy and ready to enjoy life.

DF99 ... *****sending pixie dust to your DD *******Those ear infections are truly a huge pain. I hope it will be fully cleared up before flying to WDW. Glad you saw a better doc this last visit.

I'll post when I return!

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
Got me to thinking about the Swan and our WDW trip. DB and DSIL are bummed b/c they can't join us on this trip due to their children's (one will be off to college/his first year) busy summer schedule. We were reminiscing (sp?) today about last summer's trip to the Dolphin. We all agreed it was a "dream come true" trip for all of us.

I missed this one before posting. How sad for your DB & DSIL. Life just "breezes" past, and the things I take for granted (traveling w/DD), are things sure to change in the coming years (brings tears to my eyes just WRITING this). Your post only HELPS to make me more aware of how precious time together as a "family" truly is (something to be treasured). I'll remember your words as I enjoy WDW & Florida with DD & DH this summer. These truly are the "Sweetest days" of all. Thanks, for the little reminder.

* KELLI...have a FABULOUS time in the MAGIC! I'll be thinking of you, as I PACK and PREPARE to enter the KINGDOM as well! BTW...DD was also PREM, and in NICU 4+ weeks! Stressful...but with such loving and competent nurses...she fared wonderfully.
Thanks for the nice words about DD. This DOC had a "Cirque De Soleil" tie on, so I KNEW he was OKAY! *We are going to see this show while in WDW this summer. DD & DH have wanted to go for YEARS, and I've been putting it off. No MORE! We are going this time.

Does anyone know if we should purchase tickets for the show in advance, or can I wait until there to buy these? Any/all advice greatly appreciated. I believe there are nice discounts for AP/DC members...but I'll have to check on this a bit more.

TTFN....

 

[#1hockeymom]

So glad to hear that your daughter has the right diagnosis now! I am sure she's on the road to a speedy recovery! I checked out Dh's meds from his ear problems. The second set of ear drops also had hydrocortizone in them. Unfortunately his never started to drain. You are half way there since her's are draining! I hope she sleeps much better tonight.

After always having a car with us, and saying we WOULD have a car with us, we've decided to probably go with a town car or a limo. The rental cars went up, instead of down, since the last time I have checked. For a basic, make fun of it car, they want the same price I can get "service and a smile" for! Any advice? According to dreamsunlimited, it sounds like flatours shows up automatically, but I have heard they don't take credit cards. I checked mousesavers, and she loves Happylimo. I like their rates, and the fact that for 50 above the towncar rate we can arrive in style in a limo (but leave in a regular towncar). I grew up in a Lincoln family, so towncars are are a car to me, but a limo, well I could probably get used to that! Threw the idea past my DD and she's all for the limo over getting the "clunker" rental car. What is the usual tipping for a driver? I have always done 2 per bag for baggage handlers, but I am wondering what the standard tipping is for the driver, ontop of that.

One week! One week! One Week!

Debbie

 

[ozziewags]

DF......Whew! Finally seeing light at the end of that tunnel! Be sure to ask Doc about flying in a couple weeks. DD should be fine about then, but I remember flying once with a slight earache and I thought my head was going to pop off. He may have some suggestions......but hopefully it will be completely cleared up. I think those meds usually last for 10 days-2 weeks. Nothing like cutting that close! Pixie dust to all of you!

We could have used some of that today, as we drove to U of Missouri to spend Father's Day with DS and as we went to leave our mini van wouldn't start. Luckily we have AAA Plus and with a phone call and a trip to Walmart to get a new battery, we came home a few hours late! I had to think that it could have been worse, since dd and I were planning to drive to WDW today before we had to cancel, and decided we could have been in the mountains of Tenn. when it happened!

Kelli.....have a wonderful trip and please post upon return!

DF......about Cirque......you will love this show. I got my tickets before we left, but I think you will be safe waiting til you get there, since you are there for such a long time. You are right about the AP rates; I think 25%? off or so. My big desire is to see "O" at the Bellagio one day. I hope I get there before they don't have it any more!
About shampooing DD's hair......why don't you put her on a stool(backwards) at the kitchen sink and carefully do it yourself(maybe putting sandwich baggies over her ears and have her hold them. Sounds weird, but worth a shot!

 

[RAV]

I've been away for several days and just want to say Congratulations to Mompoppins and the Poppins Family.


DF- Hope your daughter is feeling better. My son had a similiar experience and watching him suffer was agonizing. It makes you wish you could take the pain for them.

To everyone leaving soon- Have a wonderful vacation.

 

[dreamflight99]

After DH arrived with the meds and some chinese, she took the antibiotics, the drops and a vicodin. She is resting comfortably, and feels better already. Thank the lord! It was terrible watching her in so much pain. Hopefully, these meds will all work, and she'll be better by the time we leave. I recall once in Orlando, when she came down with an earache, and we had to take her to the local medical facility for treatment. The folks at the resort were absolutely wonderful (old Dixie Landings), and she was feeling better in a day/two!

She'll be on the meds for 10 days, so it's cutting it close! I'll ask her Doc about the flight when we return tomorrow. Thanks for the idea (OZZIE!) for the chair/stool by the sink! I have a nice sprayer there, and it could be like a "salon" treatment. (LOL). I like the baggies on the ears too...perhaps covered with face cloths (and her hands). I'll try this tonight. She has already taken a shower, and used a cap to fully cover her head/ears. Plus, we have detachable heads, so she could control the direction/flow, and keep it off of her head. Thanks for the PD!

I have to agree with you, "O" is the BEST show ever! We saw this last year, and it's truly magnificent with all the WATER, etc.

Thank GOODNESS for AAA! (& Walmart carrying your battery too!). All turned out for the best, and a few hours is not too bad. You have some good angels traveling with you!

Thanks #1hockeymom, for the encouraging post. Your poor DH has had a rough go of it as well! Hope he's feeling much better, and enjoyed his Father's Day.

As for the LIMO...the tip all depends on how far they travel and how much you enjoy the service. Standard from the MCO to the Dolphin for us, would be $10-15. I've used Limo's so many times, and MOST have been great. Just be sure to go with a company like Happylimo, etc. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about them, so you would probably be pleased.

*Thanks again, for all the kindness each of you exudes. You are indeed, a very special group of people...and I am BLESSED to know you through this forum.

 

[lonegungirl]

Dreamflight99:

Another option on the hair-washing thing is a product called KMS turnstyle "do-over," I think--I heard about it from that show "What Not To Wear." Apparently you can spritz it on to clean your hair without using water.

We had a catastrophe ourselves today. A huge car accident on the freeway...we spun out, another car flipped over...what a mess. Fortunately no one was seriously injured, but my Mom fractured 2 ribs and everyone is fairly sore. Ugh.

Hope your daughter feels better soon.

 

[dreamflight99]

Sorry for the trouble you encountered today on the roadway. That kind of mess can be extremely frightening and dangerous. I hope you are all feeling better soon, and your DM stays comfortable and resting until her ribs are healed. Thank the Lord it was not worse. Again, the "GUARDIAN" Angels have been out in full-force this weekend.

Thank you for the sentiments for my DD. She is resting comfortably. Perhaps, she'll actually be able to sleep through part of the eve.

Nite...Nite.

 

[Muffy]

DF, You should order your ticket to Cirque today 1 800 421 3732. You can find the seating chart on this site or www.mousesavers.com. Do a search for WDW entertainment. While you are talking to CRO you can look at the seating chart and decide which tickets to buy. Tickets can be bought up to 6 mos out for this show. You have alot of dates to work with and I'm sure you will get some good seats. They have 2 tiers of seating. It is 87.00 ea. for tier 1 and 77.00 ea. for tier 2. You do get a discount with an AP at certain times of the year. When you order your tickets tell CRO that you will pick them up at the ticket window in front of Cirque instead of mailing them (not enough time) You will LOVE this show.

Great news that your DD is on the mend! Get some earplanes at walmart before you leave. It will prevent her from ear pain when the plane takes off and lands (cabin pressure).

Muffy

 

[disnurse]

Dreamflight if ear plugs are out try cottonballs dipped in vaseline and gently placed in the ear. I would rec. buying ear "macks" for your vacation. They are clear rubber like playdough that you can mold to fit your ears and that would keep the water out of her ears as they will still be very sensitive and you wouldn't want to have to go thru that ordeal again.

Mouseteacher we hardly had any sunshine, except for the time we spent in providence visiting family. Coastal was very foggy all day. I have a personal day today and its moderately sunny so i'm painting and doing yardwork after my trek to walmart( today is a 36hour day isn't it....LOL)

 

[Mouseteacher]

DF ~ Thank God you all are headed in the right "medical" direction! Thanks for the updates. Hopefully, today will see DD even better as the meds really kick in. Ozzie's hair washing suggestion sounds perfect!

disnurse ~ Sunny day here again today but chilly - it won't reach 70. That's okay, I'm at school anyway.

 

[#1hockeymom]

So sorry to hear about all the car problems, accidents, and hurt people this week! It is a blessing that everyone is safe in the end. May this week bring recovery to all (including ozziewag's car!)

Debbie

PS Last Monday of school!!!!

 

[madge]

I know I saw something about the recipe postcard deal earlier in this thread....but I also saw a deal at the S/D around the July 4 holiday. Stay 3 nights, get one free? Did I dream that I saw that? does anyone have any other details about this special? I have some friends going to WDW the week of July 4th and they are staying at the All-Star resorts. i don't know what rate they are paying, but I suspect these specials will give them something comparable price wise and a much better resort

can you book these online?

thanks

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Kudos to all. Mom Poppins is doing much better with the pain management (pergocet, demerol & ibuprofren 800mg... sorry for the spelling) She is walking much more at the hospital and is pumping that milk for Little Kirk. He is up to 30cc's of milk every three hours. He also has hit a stumbling block with the belirueben (liver thing) but has been told that is normal. Just means he gets to hit those hospital tanning beds. They say he will be off those lights in a couple of days or so. Mom might get to come home today. She has not had her daily visit yet from her doctor. She still has to get the staples out and a more temporary dressing applied to the incision.

Ouch to all the car accidents and dr. visits. We too have had some pretty bad acidents, but agree totally with the Gaurdian Angel comment. God has a plan for all. We too have been spared to continue his work. Many prayers and praises coming your way lonegungirl.

DF I agree with disnurse. Zithromax has always been a great antibiotic for our family's ear infections (we've had many). After the ears are healed, it really helps to put a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and vinegar in each ear with a dropper after swimming to prevent any future episodes (at least with swimmers ear). Gawrsh, we really envy all of you who are about to embark on the great WDW adventure again.

Someone commented on the robe thing earlier. We are a robe family too. We really like the waffle/ribbed robes from Swan & Dolphin. We have some Hyatt Regency Hill Country Spa robes that are just plain thick terry (very good quality) but the Swan & Dolphin waffle/ribbed robes are my favorite. They are not thin like a summer robe would be, just comfy with a different feel. And you have to enjoy the silver Swan & Dolphin emblem embroideried onto the front.

Well as I am typing this message (9:40 am CST), Mom Poppins called. Her staples were removed earlier this morning and she gets to come home this afternoon. So I guess the next messages you get from this computer home will be Mom Poppins herself. Oh, I put the pics in for developing yesterday and will be picking them up today. So maybe not too much longer and you all can see our little bundle of joy.

 

[hookedup]

Congrats to MomPoppins! My ds was a emergency c-section and then a jaundice baby. It is not fun to go to the NICU but we are SO BLESSED to have the technology and care that we have here in the U.S. today. Lil' Kirk will be up to a good weight and home before you know it - your girls will be spoiling him rotten too. Congrats to you all I have sent many prayers and thoughts your way.
Cant wait to see that next WDW pic with the whole family and Lil' Kirk!

 

[NancyIL]

It's been awhile since I have checked this thread - so missed out on the birth announcement until today. Congratulations to Mom Poppins and family on the birth of your son!

 

[#1hockeymom]

One day without the dis, what was a disney fan leaving in six days going to do!?

I booked the limo; kids are happy, husband is worried about me. Every five minutes last night I would say, " Debbie W (or insert family member's name here, and change their accomplishment), you are almost done with another fantastic school year, what are you going to do now?" I am guessing that everyone can answer this question! I guess you could say I am just a bit excited!

Hope everyone is doing wonderfully! Thank you webmasters for getting us back online!

Debbie

 

[ozziewags]

I was beginning to have withdrawal!
Mompoppins proxy......so glad to hear all is well....and that momp is coming home today. All Kirk is going through is pretty normal. He will be plumping up and be ready to come home before you know it. Congrats to all of you and I am looking forward to hearing from Robin soon.

#1hockeymom........hope school is winding down ok....at least you have this trip to look forward to! Have a wonderful time. The limo is a nice touch. I really wanted to do it last trip, just couldn't bring myself to do it. We all fit in a towncar fine. What a great surprise for the family. I always hope all my planning is worth it to them and try to do some special things so they appreciate it. At Christmas I sent a tree and decs down early so that when we got there on Christmas eve we spent the afternoon putting it all up. Then in the evening we went to Epcot for the Christmas show and dinner.